Chapter 10 Not Giving Up

lways interacted like this without paying any attention to those rumors outside. At first, I thought there was something between your sister and the Jade Prince, but it turned out not to be true at al...Chapter Ten: Never Give Up

Cutting the Robe and Severing Ties

Yun Qianyue suddenly raised her eyes to look at Ye Qingran.

"Little girl, are we severing ties by cutting our robes" Ye Qingran stared into Yun Qianyue's eyes and repeated himself.

As Yun Qianyue looked at Ye Qingran, she focused on his pair of eyes. In the past, whenever he looked at her, there was always a smile in them. However, now, what was reflected in those eyes was too complicated, like water mixed with various colors. It's said that one’s eyes can reflect their inner thoughts; then could it be that his heart had been stained with all sorts of emotions She silently watched him.

Ye Qingran also looked at her and waited for her to respond.

The cold wind seemed to have stopped in the room, separated by the open lattice window between inside and outside.

"Little girl, are you not talking to me again" Ye Qingran painfully gazed at Yun Qianyue. "Am I really that annoying So unwelcome We’ve gone our separate ways; there are some things I can’t help but take action against you due to my status. But there are still other things I could protect you from, yet you no longer trust me and guard yourself against me so intensely. When did we reach this point Little girl, tell me, besides severing ties, is there any other path for me"

"When did I ever guard myself against you to such an extent" Yun Qianyue arched her eyebrows and zeroed in on the crux of the matter.

Ye Qingran looked at Yun Qianyue, letting bitterness spread across his lips. "No guard Then why what happened at the military tent..."

"Ye Qingran!" Yun Qianyue coldly interrupted him. "This time when I left and caused such a commotion, people from all sides were looking for me. Although Rong Jing found me first, there's no guarantee that others wouldn't have found the place before him. I sealed off the entrance, completely isolating it from the outside world; is there anything wrong with that Is this guarding against you or not trusting you If I didn’t trust you, I would have sealed off the entrance several months ago when Feng Jin and I came out of there, instead of waiting until today to do so and let you stand in front of me now questioning me!"

Ye Qingran was taken aback. "You’re not..."

"What difference does it make whether or not I trust you Ye Qingran, who are you to me You talk about severing ties, but where is the robe between us What bonds do we have that need to be severed There’s only our mutual understanding based on clearly recognizing each other's positions and responsibilities."

Yun Qianyue looked at him with a cold expression. "You keep blocking my way because of your status as the young master of the De Prince王府 (I will leave it untranslated here), thinking that everything you do is justified and expecting me to understand Why should I understand The Ye family matters are none of my business, and what you do is also not something I can interfere with. You have repeatedly disrupted my plans; how dare you question me now and ask for my trust What reason do I have to trust you Have you done anything that would make me one hundred percent believe in you Haven't you Then why are you here demanding a severing of ties, isn’t it laughable"

Ye Qingran’s face turned pale and his body involuntarily took a step back.

Yun Qianyue waved her hand to open the window he was trying to shut. With a bang, she closed it tightly, his cold and furious voice emanating from within: "We never had any ties to sever; if you think we did, then sever them yourself! Don’t come here troubling me!"

Ye Qingran’s already pale face instantly drained of all color.

"Please leave," Yun Qianyue turned and left the bedside, her face serious as she commanded.

Ling Lian and Yi Xue had already retreated to one side. Upon hearing this, they simultaneously approached him without their usual politeness and coldly said: "Prince Rong Ye Qingran, please leave! This Qiaoyue Pavilion is too humble to accommodate such a great Buddha!"

Ye Qingran stood motionless in place, his eyes unblinking on the closed window.

"Prince Rong, please!" Ling Lian and Yi Xue shouted again in unison.

Ye Qingran seemed to not hear them. Cold wind blew over him, lifting his clothes and hair as if he were a withered tree in winter, devoid of life.

"Prince Rong, if you don’t leave now, we won't be polite!" Ling Lian and Yi Xue exchanged glances before warning again.

Ye Qingran still did not move, standing silently like a statue.

Ling Lian and Yi Xue exchanged another look, suddenly drawing their swords and thrusting them at Ye Qingran. They moved swiftly, blades piercing through his brocade robe instantly, but he showed no reaction, not even turning his gaze.

Ling Lian and Yi Xue naturally couldn't really hurt Ye Qingran, so they stopped their hands and looked into the room.

In the room, Yun Qianyue had long been sitting on a soft couch. Although she hadn't seen outside, she could discern from the sounds that Ling Lian and Yi Xue had drawn their swords, but she didn’t sense Ye Qingran move or retaliate; she could guess what had happened roughly. She closed her eyes and said coldly, "You two go back to your rooms and rest! If he wants to stand here in the cold wind, let him!"

Upon hearing this, Ling Lian and Yi Xue retracted their precious swords and walked back into the room.

The Shallow Snow Pavilion was quiet, with a dark sky devoid of any stars or moonlight. Through the dim yellow light from within, only a black shadow could be seen by the window. The night air was intensely cold; the chilly wind cut through clothes like knives and pierced into the skin, causing an icy chill.

Ye Qingran seemed unaffected by the cold as he stood motionless in the courtyard.

Half an hour later, his figure still hadn't moved. Yun Qianyue opened her eyes, walked to the large bed, took off her shoes and socks, got into bed, pulled up the covers, and waved to extinguish the lamps.

The moment the lights in the room were turned off, the courtyard became even darker.

Yun Qianyue closed her eyes once more. Today she had spent a day making clothes; although only half-done, it had still been taxing. She was originally planning to finish them overnight but now lacked the mood. Blocking out the infuriating thoughts and ideas in her mind, she faced the wall as she slept.

After what seemed like an unknown amount of time, a rustle of clothes came from the western wall, followed by someone falling into the courtyard.

"Who is it" Ling Lian and Yi Xue simultaneously whispered, rushing out of the room.

"It's me!" Night Tianyi’s deep voice sounded.

"Regent Prince" Ling Lian and Yi Xue only saw a silhouette; they couldn’t see his face. But from the outline and sound of his voice, they knew it was Night Tianyi and couldn't help but glance into the room.

“Mm.” Night Tianyi responded with a nod.

"At this hour of night, what does Regent Prince wish to instruct my lady Our Miss has retired!" Ling Lian steadied herself as she asked Night Tianyi.

Night Tianyi glanced at Ling Lian indifferently without answering and walked towards Ye Qingran.

Ling Lian and Yi Xue exchanged a glance, withdrew their precious swords, stepped aside, not stopping him.

"Ye Qingran, return to the mansion!" Night Tianyi reached Ye Qingran, patting his shoulder.

Ye Qingran remained motionless as if unaware of Night Tianyi’s arrival.

"Ye Qingran!" Night Tianyi's voice grew heavy; he called out again and simultaneously patted him hard on the shoulder.

The corner of Ye Qingran's shoulder dropped slightly, his body moved a little, turning slowly around.

Watching Ye Qingran in the cold wind too long, Night Tianyi could see that his complexion was ashen white, coated with frost. Unable to discern his expression clearly, only feeling he had merged into the night of Shallow Snow Pavilion. He carefully observed him and said sternly, "Return to the mansion now!"

Ye Qingran looked at Night Tianyi; after a moment, it seemed like he recognized him. His lips moved slightly, his voice extremely low, "Night Tianyi, do you have moments when you want to die from suffering" Night Tianyi's gaze narrowed, not speaking.

"Do you also have such times" Ye Qingran’s voice was almost inaudible, "I am experiencing this now!"

“To die in Shallow Snow Pavilion” Suddenly, Night Tianyi sneered. “Ye Qingran, take a good look—she is no longer the old Yun Qianyue. She's not my moonbeam or your little maid anymore.”

Night Qingran's body trembled slightly.

"Even if you freeze to death here, she won't come out! You severed ties with her by cutting off your robe of brotherhood, but she had long since dismissed you from that bond. When you helped and supported her, when you showed affection for her and defended her, she forgot all about it; the only thing she remembers is how badly you treated her." Night Tianyi said coldly: "Do you think she's worth your efforts"

Night Qingran shook his head. "I don't care. She has merely been... someone I couldn’t understand..."

"She’s only been someone who you've never understood! She's a mist, layer upon layer; even after ten years of being close to me, I still can't fathom her three parts out of ten. Night Qingran, how much do you think you know about her" Night Tianyi interrupted him and shouted sternly: "Go back to your mansion now!"

Night Qingran remained standing in place.

"Someone, escort Young Nobleman Qingran back to his residence!" Night Tianyi called out.

A shadow emerged from the west wall and immediately stood before Night Qingran. He reached out to carry him away.

Night Qingran tried to dodge past him, but he had been standing too long and was numb with cold; as soon as he moved, his body fell towards the ground. The man caught him at once, touching his feet lightly to the floorboards and using light footwork to carry Night Qingran out of Shallow Moon Pavilion in the direction of Prince De’s mansion.

Night Tianyi watched until Night Qingran had left before turning slowly and looking towards Yun Qianmo's room.

Inside her room, there was a heavy silence with no sound at all.

"Moon, when did your heart become so cold" Night Tianyi’s deep voice sounded again. "Now that you have Rong Jing, are you going to sever ties with everyone else"

There was still no reply from inside the room.

"Since childhood until now, I wanted to be emperor and my intentions were always clear for all to see; there wasn't anything I kept hidden from you. You should have been well aware of it. From the day you secretly swapped lots on behalf of me at Father Emperor’s forty-fifth birthday banquet, after which you pretended to pester Crown Prince Brother into swapping mansions with me, I had planted my feelings for you in your heart. And all these years we've known each other, don't tell me that you're so clever and still can’t sense how I feel about you" Night Tianyi said coldly.

There was still no reply from inside the room.

"Between江山and you, who is more important Do we really have to make it clear as day and night All along, in front of me, you’ve always been better than me, never letting me worry a single bit. Whether you’re hurt or something else happens, you hide it from me. Don’t you know that these years I wanted to protect you because of your behavior, carefully plotting plans step by step and making every preparation, so Father Emperor can't watch over you day after day and no one dares harm you in my hands" Night Tianyi's voice was icy cold. "But the things you hide from me are justified in your mind, while the things I hide from you make you sad Yes, indeed, I made a deal with Ye Qian to buy her silence, yes, indeed, I am an adopted grandson of the Lan family and accept their support, but what does that matter How much have you hidden from me too"

Inside seemed to be empty; only Night Tianyi's voice was heard in the courtyard.

"All along, I thought you understood me, regardless of whether or not you consider me the most important person in your heart. But at least throughout these years, I never treated you like a stranger and schemed against you. It’s just that because you’re too strong-willed, doing everything without relying on me while I depend entirely on you; my mind neglects those subtle details. That's why after the incident at Look Spring Pavilion, I wasn’t worried about your injuries, thinking to fortify the northern border, and if it were in chaos back then, do you think Father Emperor would let me off If that were the case, five years of hard work would be for nothing; he wouldn't see my achievements but only my mistakes. Then how can I talk about getting stronger or protecting you under my wings It's true that all along I wanted to reach that position, and in that position there was always you. Including when Mother Empress used her own life and the Lan family’s entire clan to be executed for my sake." Night Tianyi said this far, his voice sounding bitter and angry at once. "But what did you give me Five years ago, you promised me something. But after I happily returned to the capital, waiting all night on Cloud Fog Mountain, what I got was you avoiding me while sitting in Rong Jing’s carriage! What I waited for was you losing your memories by activating the Phoenix劫and forgetting about me, and looking lovingly at Rong Jing but being cold-blooded with me!"

Inside, it remained silent. The night seemed even colder.

"Yun Qianmo, have you ever thought whether this is fair to me" Night Tianyi almost growled out the words.

"Night Tianyi, what use is there for you to say these things now" Yun Qianmo’s voice finally came from inside the room. She sounded emotionless. "Regardless of who was wrong, both of us made mistakes that led to this situation today. Perhaps some things were not your fault or my fault but just a matter of the person being wrong or hearts being out of sync."

"What does it mean for a person to be wrong or hearts to be out of sync" Night Tianyi asked coldly.

"If you aren't the one I want in my heart, then whatever you do is wrong!" Yun Qianmo said indifferently.

Night Tianyi suddenly sneered. "Twelve years ago, when we first met, you pulled me out of Glory Palace without my consent and forcefully entered my life; five years ago, I asked if you liked me and you said yes. Now, again without asking my opinion, you cut ties with me. Yun Qianmo, have you ever asked for my consent Have you ever asked if I was willing What am I to you Am I just a replacement or someone who is dispensable in your life Or perhaps nothing at all Just some toy that you play with when you like it and throw away casually once you don't"

"You are not a replacement!" Yun Qianmo was silent for a moment before saying indifferently.

"Isn't it Don't tell me that Jade Book isn't the most important person in your heart!" Night Tianyi sneered, "Because of him, you've been entangled with me for so many years. If not for him, wouldn't you wish to distance yourself from the Ye clan as far as possible, one in heaven and the other on earth, separated by an endless expanse Neither wanting any contact with each other."

"So what if he is the most important person to me I've always been clear that you're not him! Initially, I may have treated you specially because of him, but you never resembled him. Later on, everything was just because you are who you are. This point, I've always been very clear," Cloud Qianyue's voice also turned cold, "Night Tianyi, now we've come to this stage, I can no longer treat you as before, and you cannot be without resentment or anger. What is the point of saying all these"

"Do my words have no meaning then" Night Tianyi sneered, "Then what means something to you Are you thinking about marrying Rong Jing Do you really want to marry him Wanting to enter the Rong王府 I tell you, it's impossible!"

"What is impossible I love Rong Jing, she has been in my heart since childhood. I've never expressed to you that I loved you and wanted to marry you, so why can't I choose who I want to be with now" Cloud Qianyue said coldly, "Night Tianyi, just because I know you and treated you well, protected you, helped you, it doesn't mean I must stand by your side forever and become your subordinate."

"Are you trying to erase all our past" Night Tianyi's voice suddenly turned deep and cold.

"If you force me like this, I might as well do so," Cloud Qianyue said coldly.

"I'm forcing you" Night Tianyi suddenly burst out laughing, his laughter cold, desolate, "Moonie, you actually say that I'm forcing you"

"Emotions are uncontrollable. I believe from the start to end, I've never wronged you, Night Tianyi. What else is this but forcing me!" Cloud Qianyue said coldly, "The one who's truly wronging someone is Rong Jing. After our entanglement at the mandarin duck pond, he suffered for ten years due to his cold poison, sick and suffering greatly. But what did I do in those ten years I helped you grow stronger, avoided him repeatedly, letting him suffer and endure hardships. He had decided several times to give up on me but couldn't control his heart and painted countless scrolls for me. I promised to like you five years later, it's true, yet after discovering that I unconsciously started liking Rong Jing, I didn't dare seek him out even after the fire at Wanchun Tower, so I ruthlessly initiated the Phoenix Punishment and left my fate in heaven's hands. Even though he knew his days were numbered, in the end, he decided to hold me tight for this love, while you, during these same years and opportunities, what did you do Although it was because of Rong Jing that you made plans, but indeed you didn't come back from the north to save me. Maybe you're right, those hardships were shared, five wasted years are indeed regrettable, yet this also shows that in your heart, I've never been as important as your empire. Night Tianyi, bluntly put, if I had died in my memory loss because of your kind father emperor, where would you be now to shout at me outside my courtyard If I were dead, wouldn't you be weeping bitterly in the underworld"

No response came from Night Tianyi.

"So, worldly affairs have causes and effects. Who's right or wrong, just like your empire and me, how can they be distinguished clearly" Cloud Qianyue's voice turned dark as if extremely tired of further entanglements, she said lightly, "Night Tianyi, give up! If you do, you'll find that many things belong to you. I'm merely a drop in the ocean."

"Impossible! I can't and won't give up! For me to give up, unless you have the power to take us back twelve years ago when we never met, leaving Ronghua Palace without knowing each other. Otherwise, forget it!" Night Tianyi shouted loudly, after which he lightly touched his toes and flew off from Qianyue Pavilion towards the western courtyard.

Feeling that the person outside had left, taking away the coldness and oppressive aura with them, she stopped talking. In this dark night, her bed, bedding, even the air in the room was ice-cold, everywhere exuding a sense of chilliness that made one shiver to their core.

Inside the room was so quiet that no breathing could be heard; outside, it was silent to the point where wind sounds seemed halted.

Ling Lian and Yi Xue stood by the door, looked at each other, hesitated for a moment, then worriedly asked, "Miss, are you alright"

"I'm fine!" Cloud Qianyue coldly said two words.

Ling Lian and Yi Xue exchanged glances again before turning back into the room.

Cloud Qianyue stared at the ceiling with her eyes open, as if a movie of past events was playing in front of her. After she made up her mind about Rong Jing, subconsciously she didn't think of anything related to Night Tianyi anymore. But now that the dam had broken, memories rushed out like waves, all clamoring to be recalled again.

From their first meeting at Ronghua Palace, to their first encounter with Rong Jing at the Emperor's forty-fifth birthday banquet, up until tonight when Night Qingran came looking for her and she was left outside in cold wind; followed by Night Tianyi's furious speech and departure. It seemed like a dream.

Over these past dozen years or so, she suddenly found out that she had lived such a failed life!

Was it necessary to be heartless and devoid of emotion, throwing all human feelings into the clouds, living without emotion just for beliefs as in her previous life But was she happy then

"Cloud Qianyue, when did your room become an ice cellar" Rong Jing's voice suddenly sounded.

Cloud Qianyue broke out of her thoughts and turned around sharply to see that Rong Jing had appeared at the door. His moon-white brocade robe was especially eye-catching in the dark night; perhaps because his clothing shone brightly, she could clearly see his features in the darkness. He looked calm with a pale face, cold and composed, his aura not chilly like the wind outside but cool and faint, like an ink painting. She opened her mouth to say softly, "Why did you come"

"Are you waiting to freeze to death if I don't come" Rong Jing raised his eyebrows.

Cloud Qianyue pursed her lips slightly and only then felt that the room was indeed as cold as an ice cellar, both her hands and feet were icy. If there was any warmth left in this place, it might be from the person standing at the door. She beckoned to him, "Come here!

While Rong Jing stood still, he shouted outside, "Someone!"

"Young Marquis Jing!" Ling Lian and Yi Xue immediately came out from the room with soft voices.

"Bring two more warm stoves here. If I don't come, your lady will freeze to death tomorrow," Rong Jing instructed.

Hearing this, Ling Lian and Yi Xue glanced inside the house before quickly responding and leaving.

Yun Qianyue rubbed her forehead with her hand and muttered, "It can't be that serious This is still a room."

Rong Jing seemed unwilling to talk to her further and remained silent.

As Yun Qianyue looked at Rong Jing, she couldn’t help but recall what Ye Tianyi had said, “With Rong Jing by your side, are you going to sever all ties with us”

In no time, Ling Lian and Yi Xue brought two more stoves to the doorway. Rong Jing slightly stepped aside; they quietly entered the room, placed the stoves on the ground, added charcoal, glanced at Yun Qianyue lying in bed, and then silently left.

After their departure, Rong Jing still stood by the door without any intention of coming inside.

Suddenly, Yun Qianyue sighed. "Rong Jing, are you going to come in and sleep with me or go back home Give me an answer; standing here at my open door isn’t helpful. Whether it’s two stoves or a hundred, it won't matter if I’m freezing."

"Are you sure you can still fall asleep" Rong Jing asked Yun Qianyue.

"As long as you come in, I will!" Yun Qianyue affirmed.

After she finished speaking, Rong Jing entered the room and closed the door tightly behind him. He slowly approached the bed; Yun Qianyue grabbed his hand immediately. Her freezing cold hands were inside the warmth of his palm. Frowning slightly, he said in a light tone with a hint of deep anger, "Yun Qianyue, you actually..."

"Ugh, I'm so tired. Come up here quickly; I need to sleep," Yun Qianyue covered his mouth with her other hand.

Rong Jing suddenly pulled away and turned around.

Yun Qianyue tightly held onto his hand, her voice soft yet pitiful: "Rong Jing, I don't know why the power of Cold Ice Break activated. Now that it's happened, there’s no way to reverse it. If you don’t take care of me, I truly will freeze to death. No one else is going to look after me..."

"You…" Rong Jing turned around, his eyes unusually angry as he looked at her, "Ye Tianyi treats you like this… No, or because of Ye Qingran, Ye Qingran allows you to…"

"Don't bring them up. I'm so furious that I want to freeze them both," Yun Qianyue interrupted him with eyes fixated on him. She had tears in her eyes, but they froze into ice beads making her eyes sparkle.

Rong Jing pursed his lips and didn’t say anything more; he lifted the covers and got into bed.

The moment he got onto the bed, Yun Qianyue immediately climbed on top of him with her entire body as cold as ice.

Something stirred in Rong Jing’s gaze for a moment before he held both her hands in his, warm air passing through his palm and into hers.

Her icy hands instantly warmed up. Soon after, familiar warmth flowed along her meridians, warming her entire body as it went.

"Next time if I find out you used Cold Ice Break again, Yun Qianyue, you’ll freeze to death," Rong Jing withdrew his hand and spoke in a voice still tinged with anger.

Yun Qianyue nestled closer to him. As her body warmed up, her heart also felt warm. She giggled softly and said tenderly, "Are you willing to

"Sacrifice!" Rong Jing glanced at her.

"Deceive the devil, you're not willing to sacrifice," Yun Qianyue took his arm and wrapped it around her waist, rubbing her head against his chest.

"If you don't want to sleep, we can do something else to help you warm up," Rong Jing said leisurely.

Yun Qianyue immediately stopped her small actions, pretended to yawn, and said in a sleepy voice, "I'm exhausted."

Rong Jing looked at her but didn't say anything.

Yun Qianyue promptly closed her eyes. She had been active all day long, stood guard for half the night when Ye Qingran came over, and was bombarded by words from Night Tianyi; she was already extremely tired. Snuggling in his warm embrace, she didn't want to think about anything else and truly wanted to sleep.

Indeed, as expected, Yun Qianyue soon emitted even breathing sounds.

Rong Jing looked at her. Even though the Ice Spirit had been dispelled and her body warmed up, her face was still clear like a mirror, as if it had been washed by snow, pure and clean. She lay peacefully in his embrace, sleeping soundly and trustingly. This side of her seemed to be surprisingly fragile yet beautiful. He drew in a shallow breath, then let it out again, seemingly dissipating something within this inhalation and exhalation. After a moment, he held her tightly in his arms and closed his eyes.

The next day, before dawn broke, Ling Lian's voice sounded outside, "Miss, Palace Eunuch Wen has come to convey the message that His Majesty requests your presence at court today! The funeral for the previous emperor will take place, and you must attend!"

"What if I don't go" Yun Qianyue asked without opening her eyes.

"The Regent said that even if you don’t show up today, no one can do anything to you. But the previous emperor was not only His Majesty but also your uncle," Ling Lian repeated what Wen Lai had said.

Yun Qianyue snorted and replied indifferently, "So what Tell him I won’t go."

Ling Lian responded softly before stepping out of the room.

A moment later, Yun Qianyue closed her eyes again for a short while then opened them to look at Rong Jing. Seeing that he was still sleeping, she thought back to yesterday and felt warm in her heart. This man had been loving her in his way all along; although it seemed like each time she was the one being bullied by him, when it came down to it, he always showed enough tolerance and understanding for her.

A moment later, Ling Lian returned, standing at the door and softly saying, "Miss, Empress Dowager has sent someone to convey a message that requests your presence in court today to participate in the funeral rites."

"Empress Dowager" Yun Qianyue squinted her eyes.

"It's Empress Dowager who has sent the message," Ling Lian softly added, "She said that of all the daughters from Cloud Manor, you are the most qualified to toll the bell in the imperial mausoleum."

Yun Qianyue turned her head to look at Rong Jing.

Rong Jing opened his eyes then smiled at her with a refined elegance like that of a lotus, "That's right. The daughter from Cloud Manor is the most qualified person to toll the bell in the imperial mausoleum—not for Night Clan’s sake but because you come from Cloud Manor. Go."

"Alright, then," Yun Qianyue nodded indifferently.

Ling Lian went out to convey this message.

Yun Qianyue got up and sat up, then suddenly lay back down. She pounced onto Rong Jing’s body and planted a kiss at the corner of his mouth. After a moment, she climbed up and jumped off the bed.

Rong Jing's eyes flickered as he watched her nimble footsteps. He sat up from lying in bed, put on clothes slowly, then got out of bed leisurely too.

The two finished getting ready and left their room. The sky outside was just starting to lighten.ng at Nan Lingrui and saying, "I can't beat him!""Ye Qingran, what about you Can’t you beat him either" Ye Qian looked at Ye Qingran.Ye Qingran hummed in displeasure as he waved his hand dismissively,...